THE acclaimed punching power of Ovill McKenzie brought Tony Dodson’s Commonwealth title bid to a halt.

At the Bowler’s Exhibition Centre in Manchester last night, the Garston light-heavyweight fell to the canvas early in the third round and though gallantly rising to his feet, McKenzie knew he had Dodson hurt.

An onslaught of loaded shots followed which ultimately the challenger could not withstand and at one minute and six seconds of the session, referee Victor Loughlin waved off the contest.

Dodson, who had an excellent second round and looked to be finding his range and rhythm, was caught soon after the bell went for the third with a shot which seem to stiffen his legs.

The Liverpool fighter was rattled and could not spoil and tie McKenzie up as he was able to do in the first six minutes.

An expert finisher, the heavy-handed champion smelt blood and sealed an emphatic first defence of his title.